AEM-7 status

[ApproachMedium]

Operating system is propritary ALSTOM ONYX System. The data is loaded onto a type of volatile memory, i am assuming at the time was suitable for the needs of this system without any issues and contained enough storage space. The tech running these traction drive electronics comes from the mid 90s. Same MPU and AGATE system as the HHP8 but with different software.

The software is loaded via a PCMCIA flash card inserted into a programming module. I have done this a number of times, since the HHP and AEM7 shared the same AGATES(Gate drive electronics module) they often shipped with no software so all we had to do was load correct software per loco and away we go. once the battery is dead, the software is dead too until battery is replaced and software re loaded. if you ever had Zelda as a kid on NES you can understand the pain. This works the same way!

[Tadman]

If those toasters were sitting around in layup with pans down for a few years out east, isn't it a safe assumption that the software is already gone?

[ApproachMedium]

If those toasters were sitting around in layup with pans down for a few years out east, isn't it a safe assumption that the software is already gone?

No because the units that got moved to Rhode Island last month most of them the software was still intact. The recommendation is every 4-5 years on the batteries but they could possibly last longer. Extreme temps are not always favorable. Its really not the biggest deal, it can be reloaded BUT if you do not have the correct tools to do it, and the software files. Its useless.

[Wes8761]

Just wondering where they went? Were they scrapped?

[Milepost 110]

Here is the status of all surviving meatballs as of New Year’s Day. Please see below:

Amtrak:
AEM-7DC
915 - Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
945 - Illinois Railway Museum

AEM-7AC
905 - Awaiting scrap
917 - Awaiting movement to Danbury Railway Museum
919 - Scrapping in progress
923 - Awaiting scrap
927 - Held for potential preservation
928 - Pueblo, CO
929 - Caltrain
938 - Caltrain
940 - Shrink-wrapped, to Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad/Seaview
941 - Awaiting Scrap
942 - Pueblo, CO
946 - Shrink-wrapped, to Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad/Seaview
948 - Awaiting scrap

MARC:
AEM-7DC
4900 - Stored at Riverside Yard in Baltimore
4901 - Stored at Riverside Yard in Baltimore
4902 - Stored at Riverside Yard in Baltimore
4903 - Stored at Riverside Yard in Baltimore

Any motor that is or was owned by Amtrak, MARC, or SEPTA that is not listed here has been scrapped.

[R36 Combine Coach]

All SEPTA units scrapped at Sims Metal, Morrisville, PA, 2022.

Had not been for Ricky Gates, the class unit would probably been on the preserved list.

[STrRedWolf]

AEM-7AC
929 - Caltrain
938 - Caltrain

MARC:
AEM-7DC
4900 - Stored at Riverside Yard in Baltimore
4901 - Stored at Riverside Yard in Baltimore
4902 - Stored at Riverside Yard in Baltimore
4903 - Stored at Riverside Yard in Baltimore

Hmmmm... could the -DC's run with the -AC's as well? I bet CalTrain would want MARC's engines that are sitting there rusting away...

[RandallW]

CalTrain purchased the two AEM-7s they have to test catenary, not to operate in revenue service.

"We purchased them in order to test the overhead catenary system--which will be necessary even after the launch of the electrified fleet, in case of any adjustments or repairs we make to the system. It’s much easier to test with a single loco than an entire train set," explained Dan Lieberman, a spokesperson for Caltrain.

[TheOneKEA]

Is it at all likely that the B&O Railroad Museum would take one of MARC’s units on loan for display in their yard?

[west point]

The AEMs depending on unit have 2 different types of MU that are incompatible. Yes, experienced it first hand.

[nickrgeorge]

Has anyone actually seen the Caltrain AEM-7's run? Seems like they repainted one (or both?), and they went straight into testing with the new EMU's.

[David Benton]

CalTrain purchased the two AEM-7s they have to test catenary, not to operate in revenue service.

"We purchased them in order to test the overhead catenary system--which will be necessary even after the launch of the electrified fleet, in case of any adjustments or repairs we make to the system. It’s much easier to test with a single loco than an entire train set," explained Dan Lieberman, a spokesperson for Caltrain.

I guess it's possible they could have the air brakes on, and the motor in notch 8, to test the category???

[ApproachMedium]

Here is the status of all surviving meatballs as of New Year’s Day. Please see below:

Amtrak:
AEM-7DC
915 - Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
945 - Illinois Railway Museum

AEM-7AC
905 - Awaiting scrap
917 - Awaiting movement to Danbury Railway Museum ---P&W someday, over the rainbow
919 - Scrapping in progress
923 - Awaiting scrap
927 - Held for potential preservation ----Will be scrapped
928 - Pueblo, CO
929 - Caltrain
938 - Caltrain
940 - Shrink-wrapped, to Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad/Seaview ---Will be saved
941 - Awaiting Scrap
942 - Pueblo, CO
946 - Shrink-wrapped, to Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad/Seaview ---Private ownership, status unknown might be scrapped
948 - Awaiting scrap

MARC:
AEM-7DC
4900 - Stored at Riverside Yard in Baltimore
4901 - Stored at Riverside Yard in Baltimore
4902 - Stored at Riverside Yard in Baltimore
4903 - Stored at Riverside Yard in Baltimore

Any motor that is or was owned by Amtrak, MARC, or SEPTA that is not listed here has been scrapped.

****** I updated the above with comments as known. Im involved in the project, and it needs to go away, sadly.

[Milepost 110]

Here is the status of all surviving meatballs as of New Year’s Day. Please see below:

Amtrak:
AEM-7DC
915 - Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania
945 - Illinois Railway Museum

AEM-7AC
905 - Awaiting scrap
917 - Awaiting movement to Danbury Railway Museum ---P&W someday, over the rainbow
919 - Scrapping in progress
923 - Awaiting scrap
927 - Held for potential preservation ----Will be scrapped
928 - Pueblo, CO
929 - Caltrain
938 - Caltrain
940 - Shrink-wrapped, to Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad/Seaview ---Will be saved
941 - Awaiting Scrap
942 - Pueblo, CO
946 - Shrink-wrapped, to Newport and Narragansett Bay Railroad/Seaview ---Private ownership, status unknown might be scrapped
948 - Awaiting scrap

MARC:
AEM-7DC
4900 - Stored at Riverside Yard in Baltimore
4901 - Stored at Riverside Yard in Baltimore
4902 - Stored at Riverside Yard in Baltimore
4903 - Stored at Riverside Yard in Baltimore

Any motor that is or was owned by Amtrak, MARC, or SEPTA that is not listed here has been scrapped.

****** I updated the above with comments as known. Im involved in the project, and it needs to go away, sadly.

Approach, thanks for the updates/corrections. As of 01-01-2024, I was able to visually confirm that 946 was separated from the rest of the motors and is still under a tarp.